DAY 2...RICHARD BREAKS THE AMERICAN RECORD IN THE 400 METER FREESTYLE
It's hot again...triple digit...and it's off to the pool again. We studied the psych sheets this morning and Richard knew that the Aussie's and the Brits would take the medals in our USA Championships. But Richard said, That's OK Mom...I want to get the record back."

There is a new USA S14 swimmer who has shown up this year...15 year old Jess Gruenke from the San Fransisco area. Jess's seed time was a 5:28.40. Richard's American Record was a 5: 34.71. Truly Jess had taken the record away from Richard even though it had not been recorded. Richard's goal today was to get it back. He knew he could not surpass the Brits and Aussie's who really are not S14's.

But that's another gripe! So we set off with one thing in mind...THE AMERICAN RECORD! It was a timed final...usually they have to come back at night and swim it again...thank God... it's too hot! Richard was in lane 8 and Jess was in lane 2...difficult to see your true competition. It was an awesome race...Jess ahead, Richard ahead (Jess towers over Richard in height).

The last 25 meters Richard shot out and set a new AMERICAN RECORD...5:27.08. He beat Jess's time today by 10 seconds! It was awesome sight! Everyone was cheering. Check the www.usa-swimming.org web site for pictures and stories. Richard is there! In the overall event, the Brits and Aussies (17 yr old, 19 yr old & 22 yr old took the 1st , 2nd, and 3rd place medals. Richard (14 yr old) came in 4th and the 1st of the USA swimmers.

THE GOLD HE GAVE AWAY....BUT HE STILL HOLDS THE AMERICAN RECORD!

Richard SCRATCHED THE 200 M BACKSTROKE (day 2 ) to fight for a record in the 100 m freestyle (DAY 3). Even though he gave up a Gold medal placement, he still holds the record by 18 seconds.